Gay men arrested in Dominica

BY ROB SALERNO – Two gay men visiting the Caribbean island nation of Dominica on an Atlantis Events gay cruise were arrested March 21 on suspicion of breaking the country’s buggery and indecent exposure laws. They were reportedly seen having sex on the cruise ship as it docked.

Dominica is a former British colony, many of which maintain colonial-era laws against homosexuality.

Careful where you’re cruising.

Today, Associated Press reported that the men pled guilty to the lesser charge of indecent exposure, were fined $888 (US) each and were forced to leave the island.

Atlantis president Rich Campbell told the Associated Press that the company has organized many trips to Dominica and would “happily
return."

"Many countries and municipalities that gay men visit and live in have
antiquated laws on their books,” he said. “These statutes don’t pose a concern
to us in planning a tourist visit."

Which is troubling. While gays and lesbians shouldn’t cower from unjust laws, it shows a certain disregard for customers’ safety to not be concerned that local legal statutes may criminalize them.

Dominica, of course, is not the only major Caribbean destination with anti-gay laws. Among other states where gay sex is illegal are Belize, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago (all former British colonies).